An extraordinary coaching partnership begins with an unfamiliar rivalry.
MADRID
Juan Carlos Ferrero has revealed that he helped Ben Shelton prepare for his Paris Masters final against Carlos Alcaraz, marking an unusual turning point in the Spanish coach’s career. After spending eight years developing Alcaraz into a multiple Grand Slam champion, Ferrero found himself analyzing how to defeat the player whose game he knows so intimately.
The former world No. 1, who will formally join Shelton’s coaching team for the 2027 season, acknowledged that contributing to a strategy against Alcaraz felt unfamiliar. Nevertheless, he emphasized that his professional responsibilities now require him to concentrate on helping the American improve.
Ferrero began communicating with Shelton and his father, Bryan, during the Paris Masters. Their discussions included possible tactical approaches to the final, which Alcaraz ultimately won on November 8.
The experience offered Ferrero an early opportunity to evaluate his new player’s strengths and limitations under demanding competitive conditions.
His assessment focused on decision-making. Despite Shelton’s powerful serve, explosive groundstrokes and athletic ability, Ferrero believes the American must become more selective when choosing how to construct points.
In the Paris final, Shelton occasionally failed to capitalize on advantageous situations, particularly when his aggressive playing style could have placed additional pressure on Alcaraz.
For Ferrero, the challenge involves developing greater tactical awareness without reducing the attacking qualities that make Shelton dangerous.
The partnership also introduces a different coaching structure. Unlike his previous work with Alcaraz, Ferrero will collaborate with Bryan Shelton, who has guided his son’s development throughout his career.
Both coaches are expected to combine their experience while maintaining the continuity of an established professional relationship.
Their first extended training period will take place in Orlando during December. Ferrero plans to travel to Florida for preseason preparations before returning to Spain for Christmas.
Bryan Shelton will initially lead the American’s team at the United Cup, while Ferrero expects to make his first official appearance in the coaching box at the 2027 Australian Open.
The Spanish coach also plans to accompany Shelton during major tournaments throughout the season, including the remaining Grand Slams and selected Masters 1000 events.
For Shelton, the objective extends beyond improving individual strokes. The 24-year-old has already demonstrated his ability to compete with elite opponents, reaching the 2026 US Open final after defeating Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
What remains to be established is whether greater tactical consistency can transform those performances into sustained success at the highest level.
Ferrero’s relationship with Alcaraz adds an unusual dimension to that ambition, but the new partnership should not be interpreted as a personal confrontation between former collaborators.
The central sporting challenge is developing Shelton into a more complete player, capable of combining his natural power with greater precision, adaptability and competitive judgment.
For Ferrero, the next chapter of his coaching career begins with a particularly demanding assignment: preparing a rising contender to challenge the champions he once helped create.
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